Engine only runs with the key in the "start" position

What is happening here is:

The "I" terminal on the solenoid is providing the coil with "full battery voltage" during cranking (as it is supposed to do). This feature sort of boosts the coil, while the starter is robbing the juice from the ignition system.

Your problem lies between the coil and the ignition switch.

Is this a recent engine swap?

Has it been fine for let's say the last six months?

Did this happen when the coil was replaced?

Explain the dash better, nothing works on it?

I can provide you pictures, wire diagrams, and will be willing to aid you all I can (I can usually make the hardest heads understand the Jeep basics on up complicated stuff! LOL!) If needed.

Do you have a test light or a voltmeter?

I fully understand your situation, I would be beyond bummed without driving either of mine.

The Medic

Test 1 (below)

Is your coil like this? (Is the coil hooked to original wiring?)

The Medic

Do you have factory tilt steering?

Of course, you checked your fuses?

The Medic

Coil part number-store it is from?

I will see if it has an internal resistor or not.

Is the coil hooked to original Jeep wiring?

The Medic

Let's do some testing.

I made you a diagram. Took a little time, but I got it! Found the other on the net.

This a non tilt ignition switch. (Mine!)

The wires (colors and size) should be the same for a tilt ignition switch.

The Ignition switch is in a heck of a spot. The other side of the dash on top of the steering column. You will have to leave in installed to test it.

Mama's hand mirror and a good light will aid you.

Ground your test light, turn the key to "on", stick the test light's point into the plastic connector, next to where the wire enters it.

You should light up on all but the blue and (single) black wire.

This will verify that the switch is good.

The light blue wire is "S" "cranking"- works when the key is in the "start position"- you say that it works!

The black wire is brake failure- disregard it for now.

The big red wire is "battery" or the feed for the ignition switch. Hot all of the time.

Everything else will be "hot" when the key is in the "on position".

We are most interested in the "red and black" wires that enter the same slot. Right beside the blue wire ("S"). The red one of the two feeds the coil.

If all is good, we will be chasing wires on a wiring diagram.

Let's hear some news. Your Jeep cannot be down too long!

The Medic

Pictures did not come through the first time.

I cry just a little bit (so nobody sees me) when one of mine is sick.

Waiting on some news!

The Medic

Forgot this - your coil looks correct.

The Medic

Test the positive side of the coil voltage with the key on.

Test it again while cranking. ("I" should be generating a little more voltage)

The Medic